This work began when a client stopped by to pick up her commissioned piece. I asked her to select words that would inspire the next piece. After considering which words to add, she selected “Community & Connection.” I deeply appreciate the power of community and regularly quote the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone…if you want to go further, go together.” I also feel like after 2020, a year of isolation for many, we were striving for more and more of that as we were asked to quarantine. Connection really set an appropriate aspirational tone for the togetherness many crave after a year of virtual “Zoom” meetings.

I began this piece with many VIBRANT colors and interestingly enough, when I combined them…they turned into a dark root beer base. After a year that was anything buy expected, I wanted to make sure the vibrant colors shined through to mimic the light inside the darkness that was occurring throughout the year.  As the darker base dried, I kept adding paint to ensure the vibrant yellow, orange, white and teal appeared. I love the texture and the colors and how everything really came together to highlight the richness and fullness of life despite challenges.

In joy,